Drink-drivers may face lifetime ban under new government proposals

Persistent drink-drivers could be banned from the roads for life as part of a government crackdown.

Proposals include abolishing the right to have a blood or urine test to confirm a roadside breath test (Picture: File)

The proposal is part of a range of measures, which include abolishing the right to have a blood or urine test to confirm a roadside breath test.

Sources working on the plans said lifetime bans were being considered.

It was one of the demands made in a review of drink and drug-driving by Sir Peter North in 2010.

Carole Whittingham, of the Campaign Against Drink Driving, welcomed the idea, saying: ‘We would like to see a life time ban if a person is caught drink-driving twice.

‘They are a danger to the public and should not be allowed behind the wheel. The onus should be on saving innocent lives rather than the rights of a driver who has already been caught breaking the law twice.’

The number of people killed in drink-drive accidents rose last year for the first time in years – prompting fears it was losing its stigma, especially amongst the young.

The main thrust of the government’s crackdown is to close the loophole on blood and urine tests.

It was introduced as a safeguard because roadside breath tests were not thought entirely reliable. However, critics see it as a loophole which allows drivers to sober up just enough to get below the limit.